Long term storage?

[Dovetail]

How would you prep a fifth wheel for a 2 to 3 year storage.

It would be on a covered, but not enclosed, concrete pad.

Would you put a cover on it?
Remove wheels? Or pads under them?

Other protection thoughts?

[rracer5]

If it were me, I would;

1-Get it up off the ground (blocks under frame and weight off the jacks)
2-Tires off and stored inside somewhere away from sunlight
3-Winterized (if it will get below freezing)
4-Rodent proofed (dryer sheets, moth balls, holes to the inside sealed etc.)
5-Some sort of moisture absorbant and maybe leave a roof vent cracked for ventilation.
6-Seal off the exhaust ports for the HW heater and furnace
7-Have someone check on it periodically and replace the rodent proofing, dryer sheets or moth balls
8-Remove the battery and store it in a warm dry place and keep an automatic trickle charger on it to keep it charged

If I missed anything, I'm sure someone else will add to the list.

P.S. Why do you have to store it for such a long period?

[Dovetail]

Rracer, thx for those thoughts.
It is my son's, almost new, and he is being deployed to korea, and does not want to sell it.
We discussed putting it on blocks. If the tires were set on pads would they get flat spots?

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by Dovetail

Rracer, thx for those thoughts.
It is my son's, almost new, and he is being deployed to korea, and does not want to sell it.
We discussed putting it on blocks. If the tires were set on pads would they get flat spots?

First off, thank him for his service. I'm quite sure the sentiments of the majority on this forum are the same!

Now, as for the tires, IMO taking them off and storing them out of the elements will hopefully prolong their life. The worse thing for trailer tires is improper inflation (when being used) and being exposed to the elements (when NOT in use).

[iceblaze580]

If your son would feel safe by letting you use it every couple of months it would better than the rig sitting for that long

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by iceblaze580

If your son would feel safe by letting you use it every couple of months it would better than the rig sitting for that long

Now there's a solution ....... and less labor too. That will also ensure all other systems are worked/run periodically. I like that idea better!!

[iceblaze580]

Plus that warranty only last so long you could get the bugs out for him

[rockwood06]

Thank your son for me as well. My 23 year old son just came back from his second tour from Afghanistan,he will complete his service duty in July (3.5) years. He wants to rein list but the US Government will not let him.

Just to say all that has be recommend is great advice, as far as tires believe it or not they are only good for about 5 years then they should be replaced.
As far as a cover, it makes no difference if it is stored or being used it is exposed to the weather any way, but if a cover is on for a long time it could damage some of the surface areas.
Some people fell good if they Take the extra step.
Again, thank you for your son's service.